Tokayev backs full nuclear cycle with China, including small modular reactor assembly

September 25, 2026 at 06:06 PM2 min

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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told Chinese company executives that Kazakhstan aims to build a full nuclear fuel cycle, including assembly of small modular reactors. The statement came during a meeting with leaders of Hong Kong Sino-Science Oil and Gas, VNET Group, Shanghai Junhe Atomic Technology, and Silk Road Finance Corporation. Kazatomprom CEO Meirzhan Yusupov said conversion and enrichment depend more on geopolitics than financing.

Key Facts

Tokayev called the creation of a full production cycle—from uranium processing and nuclear fuel production to assembly of small modular reactors—of fundamental importance.
Hong Kong Sino-Science Oil and Gas has invested over $3 billion in Kazakhstan and become a major oil and gas industry participant.
VNET Group Executive Chairman Chen Sheng expressed interest in creating a large data center cluster and AI infrastructure in Kazakhstan.
Kazatomprom CEO Meirzhan Yusupov said Kazakhstan has mastered all nuclear fuel cycle stages except conversion and enrichment.

Nuclear Cycle Ambitions

Tokayev identified peaceful use of atomic energy as a promising area of technological cooperation with Shanghai Junhe Atomic Technology. The president stressed the fundamental importance of a full production cycle, from natural uranium processing and nuclear fuel production to assembly of small modular reactors. Kazatomprom CEO Meirzhan Yusupov said Kazakhstan has already mastered all stages of the nuclear fuel cycle except conversion and enrichment. Yusupov added that conversion and enrichment projects depend more on geopolitics than on financing.

Chinese Investment Discussions

Tokayev met with executives from Hong Kong Sino-Science Oil and Gas, VNET Group, Shanghai Junhe Atomic Technology, and Silk Road Finance Corporation. Hong Kong Sino-Science Oil and Gas has invested over $3 billion in Kazakhstan and is a major oil and gas industry participant. VNET Group Executive Chairman Chen Sheng expressed interest in creating a large data center cluster and AI infrastructure. Tokayev confirmed readiness for close cooperation with VNET Group in investment attraction, technology localization, joint research, talent support, and competence centers.